How do you clean your engine bay?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
How do you clean your engine bay?
Any tips on cleaning an engine bay up that hasn't had much cleaning done to it in years?
Bought the car about a month ago and I hate dirty engines. As much as I would like to, I am not going to completely disassemble this '81 engine just to clean it up either. I don't want to start using harsh chemicals for fear of damaging sensitive components.
I have a pressure washer but think it would cause more harm then good to the wires and other connectors.
Is it just a matter or spraying on a bottle of Simple Green and then rinsing the engine bay down with a hose?
Bought the car about a month ago and I hate dirty engines. As much as I would like to, I am not going to completely disassemble this '81 engine just to clean it up either. I don't want to start using harsh chemicals for fear of damaging sensitive components.
I have a pressure washer but think it would cause more harm then good to the wires and other connectors.
Is it just a matter or spraying on a bottle of Simple Green and then rinsing the engine bay down with a hose?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 9,078
Likes: 7
From: DFW TX
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
Simple Green tend to corrode the electrical connectors. A day later we will get my car want start post... You best bet is to find a car wash with one of those degreaser options. Then just go after it with that. Be prepared to blow off a few decals, so make sure you can reorder them. Also the engine will be hot and the grease will come off easier. Just my advise. You also might want to test out a couple of the Orange cleaners.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
There are a number of engine cleaner products out there and most of themwork pretty well. Simple Green does a nice job. Don't be afraqid of the pressure washer, use it and then use an air hose to dry out the connectors. They would benefot from some inspection and contact cleaner anyways. Boat shops sell a product for connectors to keep out moisture and protect the contacts, good stuff. I wouldn't spray directly on the distributor and you can put some plastic over the throat on the carb. The rest will be fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Any tips on cleaning an engine bay up that hasn't had much cleaning done to it in years?
Bought the car about a month ago and I hate dirty engines. As much as I would like to, I am not going to completely disassemble this '81 engine just to clean it up either. I don't want to start using harsh chemicals for fear of damaging sensitive components.
I have a pressure washer but think it would cause more harm then good to the wires and other connectors.
Is it just a matter or spraying on a bottle of Simple Green and then rinsing the engine bay down with a hose?
Bought the car about a month ago and I hate dirty engines. As much as I would like to, I am not going to completely disassemble this '81 engine just to clean it up either. I don't want to start using harsh chemicals for fear of damaging sensitive components.
I have a pressure washer but think it would cause more harm then good to the wires and other connectors.
Is it just a matter or spraying on a bottle of Simple Green and then rinsing the engine bay down with a hose?
Pro
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 570
Likes: 11
From: Lancaster PA
What works for really heavy grease I have found that wearing a rubber glove sprayed with simple green allows you to just rub the grease off with your fingers. then go back in with a shop rag and more simple green.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
Thanks for all the tips. I think I will be doing some additionally cleaning tomorrow and see what works best where. The bellhousing is so oily I think it will take a hazmat crew to get all the gunk off. I may just stop off at the car wash on the way home to tackle that area and be a bit more gentle in other areas. So much to clean
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,922
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
I never was a fan of the pressure washing. That high pressure gets water and degreaser everywhere. 
I disassemble areas at a time and clean by hand using simple green.
I disassemble areas at a time and clean by hand using simple green.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Find someone who does 'steam-cleaning', spend a few buck$ for that and your detailing tasks will be much easier. {Getting rid of that thick layer of grease/grime on engine/tranny/undercarriage is a PITA if you have to do it by hand. }
}
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 30
From: Oak Harbor WA
I did that once on a Camaro and just don't relish the thought of doing it again. I already attacked the rear suspension but am more worried about the engine compartment. Especially on a car with so many hoses and emissions connections. Inducing a vacuum leak in an '81 engine bay is not my idea of fun times.Besides my wife would go nuts if I yanked the engine of a good running car just to clean things up. Not the most sound reason to do a frame on/off resto.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,934
Likes: 3,340
From: NYC NY
There are so many brand names of cleaners to choose from. They all seem to do the job in various degrees. I have had very good luck with this as it doesn't destroy the finish while it removes the grime. http://www.greased-lightning.com/automotive/ You may want to give it a try.
Instructor
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Houston TX
How does this advice apply to the underside/frame where there's usually lots of oil plus dirt...grime...that's "crusted" on. A sprayer is almost impossible to use unless you've got a garage lift and power washer. Laying underneath and scrapings falling in your face is not fun......how else.
Thanks for letting me extend your thread subj.
Thanks for letting me extend your thread subj.